January is often a barren month for gigs, so it was with considerable enthusiasm that the MR team found ourselves back at KK’s Steel Mill for the second time in a week to witness Luke Morley launch his solo tour. It took Luke a good few years to find the time to record a follow up to 2001’s debut solo album El Gringo Retro, but last years laid back Songs from the Blue Room proved to be well worth the wait. For this tour Luke has put together a top-notch band that includes guitarist Dean Howard (T’Pau, Cats In Space) and the ever dependable Chris Childs on bass, and the audience enjoyed a set that took in songs from both of Luke’s solo albums along with a well chosen cover or two.

When Songs… was released it was notable for not being simply Thunder part two, with Luke opting instead for an album of mellow heartland songs with a tip of the hat to americana, roots and country. Show opener ‘I Wanna See the Light’ is the closest he comes to Thunder’s unmistakable blues injected rock sound, with the likes of ‘Killed by Cobain’, ‘Errol Flynn’ and ‘Watch the Sun go Down’ showcasing his ability to write engaging songs that are a few steps removed from the day job. That said, there was time for one Thunder song in the set as Luke opened the encore with a heartfelt ‘Better Man’, preceded by him updating the audience with some positive news on Danny’s continued recovery. Although not possessing the distinctive voice of his longtime band mate, Luke is a more than capable vocalist and his more restrained style perfectly suited the vibe of the evening as he led the crowd through a sing-a-long ‘Lola’ that ended the show in an upbeat mood. Catch Luke again at KK’s in May, when he will be joining Spike & co as part of the latest line-up of the Quireboys.

Earlier in the evening, Oklahoma six-piece Hillbilly Vegas kicked off the night with an hour of their good time, beer soaked anthems that soon had everyone coming in from the bar. There has been a bit of a buzz around this band since their UK debut at the Troubadour at the end of 2022, and album The Great Southern Hustle was released to a great reception. Between songs, front man Steve Harris spoke of their love of British music, food and culture, and with songs as good as ‘High Time for a Good Time’ and ‘Shake It Like a Hillbilly’ they seem certain to win many admirers on this side of the pond. One of the best support bands we have seen in a long time, don’t be surprised to see Hillbilly Vegas back here as headliners before too long.

Setlist:
I Wanna See The Light
Damage
Killed By Cobain
This World
Errol Flynn
Quiet Life
The First Day
I’m The One You Want
Nobody Cares
Lying To Myself
Watch The Sun Go Down

Encore:
A Better Man
Go With The Flow
Lola